Carburetor scoops do they make a difference?

Exactly, that's what the Direct Connection book (bulletins) say. IIRC the wide super stock hood scoops were also recommended but for different reasons.
Ram tuning ought to be accompanied by carb testing to make sure fuel curve stays flat.

Cold air is always good, but as mother nature is rather variable, the inlet air temperature and density will vary.

A good air cleaner base and top will make the air flow into the carb(s) more laminar. The bowl vents can be effected by wierd changes in the air flow at thier entry. Here are a bunch of Bowl Vent Solutions if needed. Also further explanation and a very cool picture of Anton Dunatov